VFW plans new building

Edwardsville VFW Post 1299 is encountering what some would call a significant year.

Post Commander John Koch and Quartermaster Terry Moore were recently selected with All-State honors by the statewide VFW organization.

VFW All-State accolades are given to commanders and quartermasters based on 100 percent membership over the last year, plus 10 new members added. The post also must have 90 percent reported on what is called an “x” sheet, which includes community service projects involving children, other veterans and other civic endeavors.

“It’s a select group,” Koch said of the honor. “It’s awful nice to walk in a room with that bunch of guys and one of two have a white hat on. That means you did something for the state.”

The post’s next big move is to construct and open a new building. The group is hoping to build close to the Moose Lodge on Illinois 143 heading toward Marine. The building permits for the new post building haven’t been finalized yet, but Koch is hopeful they will be soon. The group’s goal is to have a building ready to open by summer or early fall 2009.

“We have an agreement between the VFW and the Moose,” Koch said. “It will take about eight months to build the place.”

Koch, 90, is starting his 11th year as commander. He plans to stay with the role until the post building is complete, then he will let someone else take over.

Moore said he is thankful about the construction agreement between the VFW and Moose.

Moore, 65, joined the VFW in 1968. He retired from his job in 2005 and since then has become more active in the VFW.

“For us, the new post will be a big thing,” he said.

Koch said he loves the organization and will continue to be a member, even after he retires as commander.

“I’ll definitely stay in the organization,” he said. “That’s my life right now.”